cysticercosis

Pronunciation: sis'ti-ser-ko'sis

Definition:

Disease caused by encystment of cysticercus larvae of some tapeworms (Taenia solium or T. saginata) in subcutaneous, muscle, or central nervous system tissue; cysticercosis is typically developed in swine and cattle, producing measly pork and beef. In humans, it results from the hatching of the eggs of T. solium in the intestines or by accidental ingestion of eggs from human feces; encystment in the brain may cause serious nervous damage, and encystment in the eye (usually the rear chamber) may cause ophthalmic damage.